How to Format Your Book With Atticus Book Formatting Software [2024 Version]

[@ReasonQuest]

OhMyGosh Atticus is EXCELLENT! I've used Scrivener for years, and it is STILL so cumbersome and difficult! I just bought Atticus, and just from playing with it a few minutes, and listening to some tutorials, I can see that this program is not written for Tech Nerds (like Scrivener is) but this is made for WRITERS-people who want to write, not spend hours trying to figure out how to make things work! I am so excited to get started! THANK YOU ATTICUS!

[@Raizzor]

I admit freely that when it comes to tutorials, book learning and sitting and listening to someone explain something, I go blank. I learn so much better, hands on, in most all things.. but as I'm writing ONE book just for myself, I wish there was a demo version of this program so I could try it out :( I tried Bookwright but it's a freaking PITA! Still, at some point I wont have any thing left to do BUT format... so I might be back to see all the videos and try to not go deaf-blind :D

[@AtticusWriter]

There isn't a demo or trial version, but we do have a 30 day money back guarantee. So you can jump in and try it out and if it doesn't feel like the right fit, just write into our support email within the 30 days and we can refund you, no problem!

[@soundlessroom]

I am the same, my ADHD brain craves the learn by doing. I was hoping the video tells me if my brain can comprehend the information or if it would be a waste of money for the half braincell thats bouncing around in my head.

[@LizaPierce]

This is what I needed. Thank you.

[@AtticusWriter]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@MsThinkologyBrainMindUnlocked]

Can you format the book to include sections and then within each section have chapters

[@AtticusWriter]

You absolutely can - we call them Parts and Volumes!

[@Neapoleone-Buonaparte]

BRILLIANT ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT

[@SamarahJeffreyWrites]

Help! I have a scene break then switch POV's. When I type the characters name, that's technically taking up the first line, then the paragraph to follow has an indent. How can I make it not have an indent?

[@AtticusWriter]

You can either put the POV name in a subheading format, or you can press SHIFT ENTER to start the next line without an indent. I hope that helps!

[@matteo_signori_mengo]

Hello, I have a question: instead of import a Word document with the text already done, is possible to create a book from zero, writing the text step by step? Is it possible to structure the outline with only the title of all chapters first, and then write them step by step?

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes, absolutely! You would use the Start a New book option from your Home dashboard. You can then add new chapters, one by one and add your titles, then go back and write the content at will! I hope that helps.

[@yanniclaub]

I dont find any of the mentioned videos, not in the description nor on your channel...

[@MyLibertyTV]

They just did a UI overhaul in the last update and are in the process of remaking all the videos with the new interface.

[@AtticusWriter]

Sorry - we'll get those linked very soon!

[@yanniclaub]

Thanks

[@KaterinaFerrara]

Basic formatting question. Where do I go to choose a 6x9 book for amazon. That must be prebuilt but it wasn’t mentioned

[@anitamshaw9967]

In the theme section of Atticus, look down the left side where all the formatting options are. Trim size is the last option. Click that and you'll find it. I wasn't looking left for a few things myself. Like how do I get rid of that drop cap? Pick Paragraph! So, left side pane, trim size is the last option listed! :)

[@mikek6998]

in the body another TOC was created, I changed setting to Include > None. When I export to pdf everything looks so off. Looked better in word, but I was not able to preview beyond emaling my kindle the doc, did not look bad, but I like how I can see render in other devices.

[@AtticusWriter]

It sounds like you created a Volume, perhaps accidentally. If you write into support with your questions, they'll be able to help you work through this!

[@LFlowers36-o3p]

My manuscript is finished with headers/page numbers etc. Do I upload it as a whole or each chapter separately into Atticus? It looks fabulous and I'm wanting to try it.

[@AtticusWriter]

Congratulations on finishing your manuscript! You don't need the headers or pages numbers in your .docx, as Atticus will automatically generate that for you. I'd recommend going over our tutorial on how to Prepare your Manuscript to Import to Atticus for best practices and then you can import the entire book all at once. I hope it goes well!

[@AlbaMartínezVila]

This is beautiful, but it also supports other languages??

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes, absolutely!

[@DianeHatz]

Do I need to change my tabs in word to indents?? I don't think I was supposed to be hitting the Tab button when writing it, but I did. Not sure if that formatting has to be changed for Atticus and I can't find info anywhere about it. Thanks.

[@AtticusWriter]

Atticus will just ignore the tabs and you can set the indents within the program, after importing. I hope it all goes smoothly!

[@e_vantuallythenomad6916]

Regarding Ordered List, how many levels of indentation can you do. Can you do ii, iii etc. Another question is how do you split chapters if your chapter is too long so that once you print or send to ebook it will be one chapter? Thank you.

[@AtticusWriter]

For lists, you can use as many as you need, but there does come a point where they will no longer fit on the page nicely (usually around 6 - 8 levels deep). As for the split chapter - can you write into support for that question? We'll need more details!

[@e_vantuallythenomad6916]

Thank you for the response I really appreciate it. Regarding the list though will they be automatic or are you talking about manually. If automatic how do I change the levels and if I have text in between levels how do I go to the next consecutive number. Example level 1. Paragraph the a return another paragraph with no number then return and now a level marker 2. pararagraph an so on. @@AtticusWriter

[@AtticusWriter]

@@e_vantuallythenomad6916 It is automatic, but if you want to have paragraphs between the numbers, you'll have to press SHIFT ENTER to stay within a single number, ENTER to go to the next.

[@e_vantuallythenomad6916]

oh ok so its shift enter and how do you change the bullet type? Can you change the heading to a,b, c etc?@@AtticusWriter

[@e_vantuallythenomad6916]

"I tried the solution you provided but it didn't work for me. While it did help me stop the numbering and insert another list, it didn't number the new list. I can see how it would work with regular text, but it doesn't seem to work with an outline within an outline."@@AtticusWriter

[@carolynfrank2539]

In the back matter of an e-book, does Atticus allow me to add an Amazon link to an upcoming book, or allow readers to leave a starred review on Amazon? If seen that done in e-books I've read. I'm trying to figure out what program allows me to do that to my own books.

[@Kindlepreneur]

With your first question on adding an Amazon link, yes it does so long as that link is live. As for the review popup, that's actually something that Amazon automatically sets - when you enter into the backmatter of a book (which you can decide where that is in Atticus) Amazon will ensure that review popup occurs then.

[@carolynfrank2539]

@@Kindlepreneur Thank you, this has helped me decide to buy Atticus.

[@alenak2256]

The Contents doesn't include my front matter (dedication, epigraph)..? Also it starts page numbering from the title page. How do I correct it?

[@AtticusWriter]

It sounds like you just need to drag and drop your "front matter" into the front matter section in the left navigation pane. You can write into support if you need help!

[@TheHourofWitchery]

The Table of Contents, does it have to look basic or can I design my own? I am designing and publishing a book but I want to keep the design and formatting it currently is, however, this includes the Table of Contents, it has its own style of text and centered page, etc. Can this be changed? I still want a Table of Contents, I just want to be certain I can redesign the look of it. Thanks

[@AtticusWriter]

You can Hide the Table of Contents that Atticus automatically generates and use a image program to create a TOC for the Print version that you insert as a Full Page Image. This won't work as well for the eBook version, because it won't be linked, but you can set it to only show for the Print version. You can write into support if you need more guidance on doing this!

[@nwandoalayande3411]

Hi, does atticus allow the importation of pictures, scanned documents without distorting them in the book? Also is there any limitation to the use of fun colours, graphics especially if it's a children's book or plabook.

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes, you can import images and Atticus will not distort them, but we do recommend properly sizing them before importing. You can use colors and graphics in images, but all the fonts in Atticus are standard black and you cannot adjust them over an image, so for children's picture books, you'll want your text embedded into the image before you import it to Atticus. I hope that helps!

[@nwandoalayande3411]

@@AtticusWriter Just to be clear, Atticus won't distort the colour(s) I use on my images after it has been imported into the software?

[@AtticusWriter]

@@nwandoalayande3411 Distort, no, but Atticus will render using ICC color profiles, which are designed to be as close a match between eBook and print as possible. It may not exactly *match* what you begin with, however, depending on whether your images are saved as RGB or CMYK color space.

[@entrepreneurcity3317]

First time hearing about the scenes so is this basically when you have a long chapter but want to separate

[@AtticusWriter]

Scene breaks are generally used if you have more than one scene in a chapter (if the time or location changes in the story, but it's still the same chapter). I hope that makes sense!

[@ludovicofornero3276]

Can you do multiple tocs if I have a 4 in 1 bundle?

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes, each book in a Volume will automatically generate it's own TOC, absolutely!

[@AdamBlumer]

I cannot figure out the social profiles. Help! I've tried to follow the written instructions, but they don't make sense to me. Can you point me to anywhere else this is explained? Thanks.

[@AdamBlumer]

Hey! I think I finally figured it out, but it took a while. Maybe consider a quick video. Thanks.

[@AtticusWriter]

I'm glad you've got it working! We'll see about creating a social profiles specific video, but if ever you need more help in the future, please don't hesitate to write into our support email - we're always happy to help!

[@AdamBlumer]

@@AtticusWriter I'm moving all my books (6) from Vellum to Atticus, and I'm thrilled to be doing it. I grew so weary of using Macincloud on my PC to use Vellum. I must admit that I still lean toward Vellum, but Atticus is definitely by far the best alternative for PC. I know because I've tried several. The switch to Atticus has been pretty smooth with only a few things now and then that are puzzling to me, such as putting in Parts with a title page, for example. And the social profile directions could have been easier. But I'm adapting well and hope to get my latest novel out within two weeks of downloading the Atticus software. Thank you!

[@Bernardn63]

On my epub, I have a extra spacing added after each paragraph. Is it possible to eliminate that whils formatting the ebook to epub ?

[@AtticusWriter]

If you edit your theme you can adjust the Paragraph Settings to Indent rather than Space. If that isn't what you're looking for, you'll want to write into support and the team can help you out directly!

[@Bernardn63]

@@AtticusWriter Actually, my editor work with their own softward and process, and told me it was not supposed to have an extra space after each paragraph. But still that shows...

[@AtticusWriter]

@@Bernardn63 I'm not sure I entirely understand, but if you write into support, we'll be able to help out there if anything is still giving you a bit of trouble!

[@drpat22]

Is there anything specific I need to know about an AI generated graphic that I would like to incorporate into an epub book from Atticus?

[@AtticusWriter]

You'll want to do your research to make sure you have the rights to publish commercially, but as far as bringing it into Atticus, as long as you have it sized properly, it'll work!

[@bugwar5545]

So how do you get scene breaks '***' to center on the page in Atticus?

[@AtticusWriter]

If you're seeing three asterisks that you can edit in Atticus like text, you'll want to delete them and click the Asterisk button from the Atticus toolbar. They may have not imported properly from docx, but that will fix it up!

[@Prof_Sawsan]

It seems that Atticus doesn’t import tables from a word doc. Is there a way around this?

[@AtticusWriter]

You'll want to save as a docx file (the x is crucial!) and then it should import, but if you have any further trouble, our support email is the best way to reach out for help!

[@jasneskis]

Can you put chapters in a few at a time. Can you use atticus on iPad? Didn’t really understand anything.

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes and yes. Once you have started a book in Atticus you can click the three dots beside the Add a Chapter button to Import Chapters a few at a time.

[@jasneskis]

@@AtticusWriterSo I don’t need a computer for this program? I can use an I pad? Wonderful. Accept. I can’t find this program in the App Store on iPad. Can I get it elsewhere and it will work? Where to get it? Also I have several I pads. Will it be available on each one? So I can work on it where ever I am? Which ever I pad I have. My word document is on all I pads. Your tutorial was so fast. I really have no idea of what you were talking about. Do you have a tutorial for dummies?

[@AtticusWriter]

@@jasneskis You'll still need to purchase from atticus.io and you can use it in your web browser, you don't have to install an app from the store. If the videos are too fast, you can check out atticus.io/tutorials for written versions. I hope that helps!

[@holaquetecuento]

Me gustaría saber si es posible crear libros en español utilizando la interfaz de Atticus. He leído que Atticus solo admite la creación de libros en inglés, pero me gustaría saber si hay alguna forma de crear libros en español. Desde ya, muchas gracias por la informacion

[@AtticusWriter]

¡Absolutamente! ¡Puedes importar tu .docx o escribir directamente dentro de Atticus en español! Si tiene alguna pregunta adicional, puede escribir a nuestro correo electrónico de soporte: support @ atticus.io

[@holaquetecuento]

@@AtticusWriter Thanks for answering. I'm not worried that the interface is in English. I was just wondering if some terms in the reconfigured layouts have words like "chapter" or "about the author" that can't possibly be changed. (I hope I'm clear) I'm sure the app has amazing potential.

[@AtticusWriter]

@@holaquetecuento The automated chapter headings within Atticus are the only feature that currently only appear in English, so you'll have to rely on chapter titles instead. For the other pages you can just retype the headings to your preferrred language. I hope that helps!

[@RockyMountainCritters]

Can you load it in two computers to collaborate for the same book?

[@AtticusWriter]

You can use Atticus on any device needed, but only one at a time. Make sure to always fully log out of one device before logging in anywhere else (click the profile icon in the top right and Logout). If you're logged in on more than one device at a time, it can cause syncing errors. Feel free to write into support for further clarification if you need it!

[@PianoBrianPlays]

Hi I'm trying to create backmatter, but it's adding as a chapter below my actual chapters. So I've hidden that BM chapter/page from the TOC which kinda fudges it (though my chapter count is now incorrect). I really want a separate BM section like the FM which appears automatically. How can I achieve this pls? Hope that makes sense!

[@AtticusWriter]

You don't really need a separate section, as the pagination continues, but to tell Atticus it's not a regular chapter you'll want to click the three dots beside the title in the left navigation panel and uncheck Numbered there. That should take care of everything!

[@PianoBrianPlays]

@@AtticusWriter Thank you!

[@AtticusWriter]

You're so welcome@@PianoBrianPlays

[@drpat22]

I need to go to the back cover of the book. How do I access that from Atticus?

[@AtticusWriter]

The back cover is typically not included in Atticus since it's part of the physical cover for the print book only, and always required to be a completely separate PDF file. If you need more help with this, write into our support email and the team will be able to help!

[@mikebreeden6071]

@@AtticusWriter Ahhh, this was what I couldn't find. You might want to do a place holder video on this - cover and back cover. By the way, this is a great video.

[@cadburyyork5052]

Is there a way to make the TOC just say Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc.? Right now it says 1. Chapter 1 2. Chapter 2 etc. I don't have subtitles.

[@AtticusWriter]

Yes, if you click the three dots beside the title Body in the left navigation panel, you can uncheck Numbered. This will remove the leading numbers, but you'll need to make sure Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc are typed into the Chapter Title location, and you're not relying on the automated chapter numbering. You can write into our support email if you need more help!

[@cadburyyork5052]

@@AtticusWriter thank you, I got a reply from Cid with the same advise! This did exactly what I wanted :)

[@LandoHendrix444]

Atticus seems very helpful, but I cannot edit the title location and its driving me insane.

[@AtticusWriter]

I'm not sure if you mean for the Title Page, page Header, or chapter heading, but if you write into our support email, they'll be able to help you out with more specifics!

[@Dr.EmmanuelAmadi]

Hi indie authors. How can i use Atticus to generate Index pages of my book? Thanks in advance.

[@AtticusWriter]

Atticus doesn't have an indexing function, so you would have to create one manually, after finalizing the book completely.

[@Dr.EmmanuelAmadi]

@@AtticusWriter thank you for your answer

[@tonyvillamotte4339]

Your customer support link isn't working. There's a glitch in the software that needs fixing.

[@AtticusWriter]

I'm sorry for the trouble. If the icon in the app itself doesn't work, it's usually due to something on your computer blocking the connection. You can always visit www.atticus.io/support/ on our website. I hope that helps!a

[@KenTParty]

Should be an amazing update!

[@antoniobugarin]

I don't know, this looks a lot like Word with Macros. So much for AI. This is a lot of work.

[@AtticusWriter]

Atticus is not an AI program, sorry for any confusion, but we never market it as such! We do have a great support team if you ever need help though!

[@healthychurch1]

I first thought it was too much work also, however once I listened to the video tutorials it became much easier. I have always worked word, now I plan to work directly in Attitcus.

[@AtticusWriter]

@@healthychurch1 I'm so glad you're finding the tutorials helpful and I hope you enjoy writing in Atticus more!

[@deitykush]

In every video that I see, no one talks about the industry that we are actually in which is BOOKS, physical paper made books which would include print and pdf. everything is just digital which is reading but not an actual book. For this to be a book maker, the biggest glitch in Atticus is exporting PDFs for printing physical books. I hope someday they finally fix all the glitches for exporting PDFs so that we can actually print real books instead of allocating funds for new looks and makeovers etc.

[@Kindlepreneur]

Not sure i'm reading this correctly, but Atticus does format 'print' books by creating the necessary pdf for uploading to markets like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

[@AtticusWriter]

As @Kindlepreneur mentioned, Atticus absolutely exports for print books. If you mean you're having trouble with exporting to PDF, it's usually something in your book that isn't quite formatted right, but our support team will always do our best to help out with this! Feel welcome to send an email any time.

[@joeseagl]

@@AtticusWriter How do you change the paper size for the PDF export for a print book. Mine goes to print on Kindle week after next, and the book is 8.5" x 11", but the export is only for 5' x 8", so the print is very small and leaves huge margins on the pages. Most of our readers are elderly, so the print needs to be larger. How do we change the PDF export settings to make it print larger than 5" x 8"?

[@anitamshaw9967]

@@joeseagl Did you pick your trim size from the Trim Size option in the left pane of the Formatting Section? All the trim sizes are listed there. 6x9 is right in the top row. That should allow you to export in the size you're looking for. :)

[@joeseagl]

I got it fixed when I was able to find where trim sizes are set. We published back in October.

[@Drathaar01]

Delete children... that just sounds wrong 🤣 I'm trying to format a square book for kids. I can't seem to find a video for that. I'm kinda stuck, can't figure it out. I need writing on one side and a full page photo on the other.

[@AtticusWriter]

Industry jargon...it makes you wonder where it originated from, doesn't it!? For the kids book, it'll be best if you write into our support email and our team can help you out directly!